It is widely held that artists are assisted substantially in the practice of their art when they receive a large grant

[BTGmoderatorDC]

It is widely held that artists are assisted substantially in the practice of their art when they receive a large grant or a donation from a benefactor. In fact, relief from economic distress is often a great disincentive to artists, who are no longer compelled to work in order to sustain themselves. Therefore, grants and donations prevent rather than encourage the creation of artists’ works.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the conclusion drawn above?

A. While grants are often provided to artists without any stipulations, benefactors often request that artists provide them with a token work of art in return for their donations.

B. Most artists are motivated to create works of art out of economic necessity; they sell their works in order to survive.

C. Not all donations to artists are made in the form of cash; some come in the form of supplies which the artists would otherwise be forced to buy.

D. Most grants are awarded on the basis of lengthy applications which must be completed by the artists themselves.

E. All artists who receive grants and donations are completely dependent on that money to cover their daily expenses; without those funds, they would have to discontinue the practice of their art.


OA E

Source: Princeton Review

[Asimo3089]

Statement suggest that if artists get big grant or donation, they not feel need to work so much because no worry for money. So, it say that these grants and donations, they stop artists from making art. This is what we say conclusion.

We need to pick answer that make this conclusion less strong, or weakens it.

Look at choices, (E) say "All artists who receive grants and donations are completely dependent on that money to cover their daily expenses; without those funds, they would have to discontinue the practice of their art."

This answer make conclusion less strong. If artists rely on this money for daily life, they can't stop creating art when get grants or donations. They need this money to keep making art! So, (E) is making conclusion weaker, or weakens it. Answer is (E).

Is important to remember, understanding situation and connections between parts of statement is very crucial for correctly answering these type of questions in GMAT.